Neymar to Manchester United: PSG set to trump Red Devils to Brazilian forward with world-record bid

Neymar - contracted to Barcelona until 2018 - can be bought if interested clubs meet his €193m release clauseGetty

Paris Saint-Germain are contemplating a world-record transfer bid in order to sign Brazilian superstar Neymar from Barcelona in the summer. The Ligue 1 club are losing top scorer and talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose contract will expire at the end of June, and have identified the Barcelona forward as the perfect replacement for the Swedish striker.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are also interested in bringing the player to Old Trafford, but could be beaten to his signature by the French champions as they are ready to activate his €193m (£153m, $218m) release clause, which is unlikely to be matched by the Red Devils owing to the tax laws in the United Kingdom.

The Brazil international is currently on holiday after opting to skip the Copa America Centenario tournament in favour of representing his country in the Olympics and according to the Daily Mail, the Catalan club could be willing to cash in on Neymar. The former Santos star is contracted to Barcelona until 2018, and is yet to agree a new deal.

The 24-year-old attacker's agent Wagner Ribeiro has previously indicated that his client would consider the possibility of moving to Paris and claimed that the Ligue 1 champions will have no qualms in meeting his release clause. If he makes the move it is likely to be the biggest in transfer history, and will be a big blow to United, who have been plotting a move since last summer.

"If PSG show an interest in Neymar, we can discuss it," Ribeiro said. "A contract can also be terminated provided that the release clause is paid. It's huge. €193m (£155m). But I don't think that would be an insurmountable problem," the Brazilian's agent said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"He feels good in Barcelona, he's loved over there, and he's playing for the best team in the world," Ribeiro added. "It's no small feat to impose yourself at such an enormous club."

"But the prospect of living in a city like Paris and to play for a club like PSG – that's also a dream for every player."